HBCU Week just wrapped its ninth year, and what started in 2017 as a grassroots initiative by Ashley Christopher has grown into a cultural movement that bridges legacy, education, and entertainment. The week-long celebration isn’t just a festival; it’s a rallying point for students, alumni, celebrities, and industry leaders to pour into the next generation while spotlighting the pride and power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The mission of the experience is to encourage high-school-aged youth to enroll in HBCUs, provide scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustain a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America.

Backed this year by sponsors Sallie Mae and DuPont, the 2025 edition was its most star-packed yet. Fans flocked to events, enjoying a concert headlined by Juvenile and K. Michelle, while stars like Gail Bean, Laila Pruitt, and Lance Gross added Hollywood energy to the festivities. 

The schedule balanced celebration and substance from the traditional Gospel Brunch setting, a soulful tone, to thought-provoking panels centered on career paths, culture, and the enduring significance of HBCUs.

A VIP reception later in the week drew a who’s who of Black excellence, featuring ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and several other celebrities, where the foundation announced the launch of its inaugural Arts & Entertainment Scholarship. 

Created in partnership with Heather Lowry, founder of Femme It Forward and an HBCU Week brand ambassador, the $40,000 award promises not just tuition support, but mentorship, internships, and year-round programming for an HBCU-bound or current HBCU student pursuing a career in the arts.

“This year’s HBCU Week was truly a milestone. We combined culture, entertainment, and education to create opportunities and memories that will inspire the next generation of HBCU students,” Christopher said, reflecting on the impact of this year’s celebration.